Marketplace Roundup

Farmers Insurance Group announced it will serve as the title sponsor of the Olympus U.S. Open Series and ATP World Tour tournament in L.A. for the second straight year. The ’11 Farmers Classic presented by Mercedes-Benz will be held July 25-31 at the L.A. Tennis Center at UCLA (Farmers).

BANK ON IT: EPL club Tottenham Hotspur and jersey sponsor Investec announced the banking company will sponsor the team’s South Africa tour in July. The club will wear Investec-branded shirts throughout the ’11 Vodacom Challenge as part of a pre-season training camp in South Africa ahead of the ’11-12 season (Tottenham).

WORLD WIDE WEB: In Dallas, Victor Godinez notes Time Warner Cable “will provide all official Internet, video and voice services” for the PGA Tour HP Byron Nelson Championship next week. The company will “provide wired and wireless Internet connections at dozens of locations on and around the course, digital phone service, and high-definition video to more than 100 screens, including the on-course video scoreboards.” There will “not be Wi-Fi Internet service on the course” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 5/18).

CHECK PLEASE: In Knoxville, Dave Link reported restaurant chain Hooters reportedly “may drop its sponsorship from the National Golf Association/Hooters Pro Golf Tour after the 2011 season.” One “potential sponsor is Bridgestone Tire, a sponsor for the Hooters Tour’s winter series,” and there also is the “possibility the PGA will take over the Hooters Tour and make it the third tier of its pro series” (KNOXNEWS.com, 5/15).

IN THE RIGHT HANDS: Dixon Golf has reached a multiyear marketing deal with Blake Sports Group. As part of the deal, Blake Sports will secure athletes and entertainers to endorse Dixon Golf. The brand also will receive strategic placement and activation of its golf products (Dixon Golf).